Core 2 Extreme QX9770 vs Core i5-4430
Core 2 Extreme QX9770
Core i5-4430
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 is positioned at rank 1088 and the Core i5-4430 is on rank 673, so the Core i5-4430 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Extreme QX9770
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-4430
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 | Core i5-4430 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,399) | ✅ More affordable ($60) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Yorkfield (2007−2009) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 | Core i5-4430 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+2253%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,399) | ✅ More affordable ($60) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core 2 Extreme QX9770 and Core i5-4430
Core 2 Extreme QX9770
The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 12 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 136 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,611 points. Launch price was $249.
Core i5-4430
The Core i5-4430 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 84 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,653 points. Launch price was $182.
Processing Power
Both the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 and Core i5-4430 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-4430 — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 uses the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i5-4430 uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 scores 4,611 against the Core i5-4430's 4,653 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i5-4430. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 451 vs 1,015, a 76.9% lead for the Core i5-4430 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-4430.
| Feature | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 | Core i5-4430 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz+7% | 3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 12 MB (total)+4700% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 22 nm-51% |
| Architecture | Yorkfield (2007−2009) | Haswell (2013−2015) |
| PassMark | 4,611 | 4,653 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 2,200 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 451 | 1,015+125% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,583 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i5-4430 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. The Core i5-4430 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: X48,X38,P45 (Core 2 Extreme QX9770) and H81,B85,H87,Z87,H97,Z97 (Core i5-4430).
| Feature | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 | Core i5-4430 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | LGA1150 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 3.0+173% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB | 32 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Extreme QX9770) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-4430). The Core i5-4430 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Extreme QX9770 targets Enthusiast, Core i5-4430 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-4430 rivals FX-6300.
| Feature | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 | Core i5-4430 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | HD Graphics 4600 |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Enthusiast | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 launched at $1399 MSRP, while the Core i5-4430 debuted at $182. At current prices ($1399 vs $60), the Core i5-4430 is $1339 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 delivers 3.3 pts/$ vs 77.5 pts/$ for the Core i5-4430 — making the Core i5-4430 the 183.7% better value option.
| Feature | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 | Core i5-4430 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1399 | $182-87% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $1399 | $60-96% |
| Performance per Dollar | 3.3 | 77.5+2248% |
| Release Date | 2008 | 2013 |
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